Fresh off a five-month rave-reviewed U.K. tour British comedy sensations Donahoe and Gervers are bringing their hit show Jonny & The Baptists to Santa Barbara’s Center Stage Theater for two nights only—Thursday October 23 and Saturday October 25—in their highly anticipated U.S. debut. Known for selling out theatres for over a decade the duo will deliver their trademark blend of biting wit music and satire with the Saturday performance featuring an exclusive pre-show dinner for sponsors. Blending sharp humor with heartfelt storytelling this musical comedy delves into the links between personal tragedy grief and hope. Praised for its mix of Additionally Donahoe a Drama Desk Award-nominated writer and performer will bring back his wildly popular and magnificent one-man show Every Brilliant Thing previously showcased by New Beginnings in 2022. This unique and critically acclaimed play has become a global stage phenomenon playing more than six hundred times over four continents including five months off-Broadway at the Barrow Street Theatre and its current run on London’s West End. Every Brilliant Thing follows a child who to lift his mother’s spirits begins a heartfelt list of life’s small joys—a list that grows over the years and comes to shape their own journey. Both poignant and funny the play explores the extraordinary ways we care for the people we love. Donahoe will reprise his role in a performance that will be feature on Friday October 24 and a matinee show on Sunday October 26. The show was filmed by World of Wonder and screened as a special on HBO. It is currently rave reviews on London’s West End.
New Beginnings has a history of using live shows to put a human face on challenging issues like mental health and homelessness—transforming what could be “just another black-tie gala” into an evening that invites understanding sparks conversation and inspiration. “At New Beginnings we believe in the power of storytelling to address complex social issues like mental illness and homelessness. Through engaging narratives we can break down the psychological barriers that often prevent individuals from understanding or acting on these issues” says Kristine Schwarz New Beginnings’ Executive Director. This year’s fundraiser shines the spotlight on a cause more urgent than ever: making mental health care accessible to all. New Beginnings is working to raise both funds and awareness for its counseling programs which offer compassionate confidential support on a sliding fee scale.
Since their founding in 2000 New Beginnings has grown to be a leading provider of mental health counseling and homeless services assistance county-wide for low income and unhoused individuals veterans and families. Our program services are available to all residents of Santa Barbara County. In the most recent fiscal year ending June 30 2025 New Beginnings served a total of 2174 unduplicated clients – a 2% increase from the previous fiscal year and an all-time high for the agency for the second year in a row. —helping neighbors in crisis find stability hope and a path forward.
“We are honored to welcome Jonny Donahoe back to Santa Barbara as we continue the New Beginnings tradition of using the arts to educate and inspire our community. New Beginnings is receiving more and more inquiries for mental health supportive services and we are thrilled to offer four presentations of Jonny’s powerful work so that more community members can learn about our work and how to access low cost/no cost counseling and case management support.” said Jacqueline Kurta President of New Beginnings Board of Directors.
Each performance will be followed by a guest reception. The premiere performance of Jonny & The Baptists on October 25 will precede with a dinner for sponsors at Bouchon restaurant. Sponsor levels range from $500 to $20000. All proceeds will directly support the nonprofit’s mission to provide accessible life-changing mental health services to the community.
Sponsors include Montecito Bank & Trust American Riviera Bank Cottage Health The Zegar Family Fund Mowrer Homeless Legal Defense Fund SurfaceFX Anne Towbes Susan Rose Mary Howe-Grant Mary Becker Robin Rickerhauser Charles & Eileen White Read Sandra Schoolfield Glenn & Amy Bacheler Eva & Yoel Haller Linda Burrows and Sheila M. Stone.
For tickets or to become a sponsor go to: www.sbnbcc.org. or contact our Development Department at (805) 963-7777 x112 or email Leana Orsua at [email protected].
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
